Connecticut may close 7 rest areas to save $1.1 million

Earlier this week, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy sent his $40.6 billion two-year state budget to the general assembly without funds to keep open seven rest areas. The $1.1 million cut from the budget would have paid for 12 employees to maintain the buildings and facilities at the rest areas officials suggest are not needed because similar services are available at nearby commercial truck stops.

What isn’t clear is whether parking at the rest areas would also be closed.

The Norwalk Hour quotes DOT spokesman Judd Everhart: “It hasn’t been determined if there would be gates at the entrances, or whether parking would still be allowed or whether the port-o-lets would remain. I don’t think that will be known for certain until the General Assembly passes a budget and the governor has signed it.”

The rest areas are located in Danbury, Southington, West Willington, East Willington, Wallingford, Middletown and North Stonington.